Hiring a new employee always comes with risks. It's up to you, the hiring manager, to make the most informed decision. That's why employee interviews are so important to the future of your organization. Good interviews are not just about asking the right questions. There is a lot more to it, and it all starts with preparation.
It seems kind of obvious, but it can be very easy to not properly prepare for an interview. The temptation to skim through a candidate's resume can be great, but you need to find a way to fight that urge. You should go through the interviewee's paperwork multiple times. If you are going to attract the top candidates to your nonprofit, you are going to have to show them you handle your position with great professionalism.
Another thing that shows professionalism is setting a good tone for the interview. When the candidate walks in, make sure you give them a firm handshake and express how glad you are to meet them. This is a simple but effective way to make the individual feel welcome and respected. You should also be sure to let the applicant know how long you expect the interview to last. This will allow you both to manage time more effectively.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- Tell the interviewee the specific set of skills required for the position. Even if this information is already in your job description, it's still important to mention so you are both on the same page. You don't want there to be any confusion on what the job entails.
- Prepare a list of interview questions you want to ask the candidate. If you want some ideas of what to ask, talk to some people in the organization about the job. They should be able to give you some suggestions on what to ask.
- Don't be afraid of conducting multiple job interviews. Does one of the candidates seem too good to be true? Try to alleviate those concerns in a follow-up interview. If you still aren't convinced, go with what your gut tells you.
